What to Wear for Festive Holiday Gatherings

How many times have you gotten an invitation to a business or family get together, mixer, etc. and you're completely lost as to what you should wear? Holiday gatherings can feel tricky. You want to be festive without being over the top (unless the event calls for that). How do you navigate family afternoon gatherings vs. evenings out with clients and co-workers? I have a few helpful tips and things to consider which will make dressing for these occasions much easier.

SETTING

If all else fails, let the setting be your guide. Are you going to a swanky place like the art museum, a fancy hotel ballroom, or a family members home? Does the event include live music for dancing? Will there be potential clients there, business associates, or kiddos running around with sugary fingers?

Just like when dressing for a wedding, the setting where the event is taking place will dictate how fancy you need to go. When it comes to shoes, please take into consideration if you'll be dancing, standing for long periods of time, or sitting down to a catered dinner. Still feeling lost? Start with one item of your outfit that really excites you or makes you happy. Then plan the rest of your outfit around that one item. This item could be a fun cocktail ring, a bag, or the main clothing item. Whatever excites you, build your outfit from there.

OUTFIT DETAILS FOR AFTERNOON OUTFIT

Necklace: J Crew (a very long time ago, this one is awesome too!)

Sweater: LOFT (no longer sold in white, but the red is great too!)

Skirt: Ann Taylor

Handbag: Tory Burch

Shoes: Sofft

TIME

What is the time of the event? If this is an afternoon get together you might want to leave the floor length sparkle dress at home, and pull out something shorter, flowy, or structural. If you're meeting at a family or friend's home you can go a little funky and modern by mixing in something like a velvet blazer with a faux leather skirt, or wearing a satin circle skirt and interesting sweater. Nothing too fussy or over the top. Conversation will be the main purpose of this event, not your sequined dress.

Is it around dinner time? You can go cocktail or floor length, as long as the event lasts until 8:00pm. If it's ending around 7:00pm then a cocktail length dress is probably more appropriate. If the event is after dinner, or goes until 10pm or later then floor length, midi, or some type of circle skirt dress is probably the best option. Also, glitter and sequins are a very good idea. The evening light will hit your outfit really well and you'll grab attention without being over the top.

OUTFIT DETAILS FOR DINNER AND BEYOND

Necklace: Evereve

Dress: Evereve

Belt: Evereve

Shoes: Marc Fisher

WHO WILL BE THERE?

This goes along with the setting. If you're going to an event where people normally dress up in their profession, like lawyers or bankers, then you can go for something formal and elegant. You or your partner will be mingling with coworkers and possible clients. Nothing deep cut, too tight, or too short please. You want to memorable for your dazzling smile and witting conversation, not how much skin you are showing.

OUTFIT DETAILS FOR FANCY EVENING

Necklace: Gift, this one is awesome too!

Dress: Maggy London

Belt: Evereve

Shoes: Sofft

If you're going to an event where the coworkers dress business casual on a regular basis then something super fancy and sparkly might be over the top. However, if sparkle makes you happy then go for something in a darker sparkle rather than a lighter one and you'll have a chic sparkle vibe rather than a sparkle for the stage vibe. Listen to your gut, you are more aware of what is appropriate and feels good than you realize. If you put something on and it feels magical or makes you feel amazing, then it's a winner. Anything else should be returned.

I hope this was helpful. I know that getting dressed for all of the holiday season events can be stressful and fun at the same time. Just remember, if you think you look good, others will to. If you're questioning the ensemble, then there's probably something off about the outfit. Trust your gut, and you'll have more fun in something you feel comfortable and confident in then something you feel OK about and like you have to wear shapewear underneath. Happy holiday party shopping!